Intelligent Hospital Systems | 2009 News Archive

Winnipeg, MB - December 16, 2009 - Mission Health System in Asheville, North Carolina has ordered a RIVA System (Robotic Intravenous Automation)- a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems). The Mission Health System, which includes the Memorial and St. Joseph's campuses, will be using the RIVA System on their off-site pharmacy for both centers.

"The implementation of the RIVA System into two additional hospitals denotes another landmark in robotic innovation for pharmacies," says Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. "We are pleased that Mission Health System, a facility that operates under a Certificate of Public Advantage issued by the State of North Carolina is taking proactive steps to enhance patient safety and reduce potential medication errors," Hansen explains.

In addition to supporting USP 797 compliance, RIVA allows the Mission Health System to compound ready-to-use sterile doses that are currently manually compounded or purchased from outside vendors. For Jane Arnot, Vice President of Customer Sales and Service for IH Systems, working with the Mission Health System staff has reinforced the important role the RIVA System plays in helping health care facilities meet their patient safety goals through a strategic investment in robotic automation. "Mission Health System has established their commitment to the delivery of advanced medical technologies, and has demonstrated their continued commitment with the adoption of the RIVA System," says Arnot.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System)- a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Customer Sales and Service at (204) 229-0472.

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Study Proves IH Systems' RIVA Effective in Compounding Sterile Preparations with Minimal Contamination

WINNIPEG, MB - December 8, 2009 - A recent study demonstrated the RIVA System (Robotic Intravenous Automation)- a self-contained unit for aseptic compounding from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems)- is an effective tool in automatically compounding IV doses in syringes and bags with minimal drug contamination. The process simulation test was conducted over two days in October 2009, under the direction of a third party industrial hygienist to examine the drug handling capacity of RIVA and its effect on environmental and worker contamination.

Previous validation tests conducted in 2008 proved that RIVA was effective in meeting requirements for compounding sterile doses (pre-publication data).

For Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems, the study results solidify the role of robotic automation in health care facilities. "The positive results of this study are very rewarding for the IH Systems team as the acceptance of advanced, robotic technology is dependant on its performance." These studies prove RIVA not only eliminates potential microbial contamination in the direct compounding area introduced by human contact but also reduces drug residue in the compounding environment and on surfaces of prepared doses. This overall reduction of drug residue lessens the adverse exposure of staff while processing hazardous drugs.

"The scrupulous research, development and commissioning program of the RIVA System has been integral in building confidence and support from directors of pharmacies worldwide," notes Jane Arnot, IH Systems VP Customer Sales and Service. "USP 797 and other regulatory guidelines set very strict parameters when it comes to sterility, accuracy and reduction of compounding risk, and meeting these requires a relentless commitment to excellence," she shares.

This study examined drug handling in the RIVA ISO 5 cell including the potential for drug cross contamination in final doses; drug contamination on surfaces in the cell; contamination on surfaces of final doses; and air contamination with drug both in the cell and in personal air samplers of workers who interact with the robot. Results demonstrated marked improvement over similar studies of hazardous drug handling.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com.

For further information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Customer Sales and Service at (204) 229-0472.

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UCSF Medical Center Orders Three RIVA Systems for State-of-the-Art Pharmacy Facility

Winnipeg, MB - December 7, 2009 - The University of California Medical Center in San Francisco (UCSF) has purchased three RIVA Systems (Robotic Intravenous Automation)- a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems). The UCSF, recognized throughout the world for innovative medicine, advanced technology and compassionate care, will be placing the RIVA Systems in their new consolidated pharmacy facility.

"The investment by UCSF Medical Center in three RIVA Systems for their new facility represents another milestone in the adoption of robotic innovation for pharmacies", says Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. "We are gratified that UCSF, a leader in providing innovative, advanced solutions for healthcare, has determined the RIVA System is the solution they need to enhance patient safety by reducing IV admixture preparation errors," Hansen explains. He notes UCSF Medical Center will install two RIVA antibiotic systems and one for preparing chemotherapy doses.

In addition to assisting with USP 797 compliance, RIVA will allow the UCSF Medical Center to compound ready-to-use sterile doses that are currently manually compounded or purchased from outside vendors. "Investing in three RIVA Systems will provide us the ability to improve our control over production, and more efficiently manage medication inventory, while improving patient safety" says Scarlett Eckert, Pharm. D., UCSF Medical Center, Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Director of Pharmacy Operations. "The flexibility of the RIVA System to automate antibiotic and IV piggyback production, as well as safely compounding chemotherapy medications is an excellent fit with our new production facility."

For Jane Arnot, Vice President of Customer Sales and Service for RIVA, working with the UCSF team has reinforced the important role the RIVA System plays in helping health care facilities meet their patient safety goals through a strategic investment in robotic automation. "UCSF has once again demonstrated leadership by investing in patient safety while providing complex patient care," says Arnot. She indicates placement of the RIVA units would occur by Summer of 2010.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Customer Sales and Service at (204) 925-5343.

For UCSF: Scarlett Eckert, Pharm. D., Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Director of Pharmacy Operations at (415) 353-1844.

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IH Systems' RIVA Top Pick for Directors of Pharmacy

WINNIPEG, MB-September 16, 2009- In a recent survey of directors of pharmacy across North America, 77% of those looking to invest in robotic automation named the RIVA System (Robotic Intravenous Automation) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems)- as a vendor under consideration. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2009 by Pharmacy Purchasing and Products (PP&P), the health-system pharmacist's premier source for practical and actionable information on the products and services that impact their practice. More information on the survey is available at:

For Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems, the PP&P survey results indicate the future is bright for robotic automation in health care facilities. "While the adoption of robotic IV devices is at the early stages, it is very encouraging for our IH Systems team to be seen as the clear leader in providing the state-of-the-art automation technology that directors of pharmacy are seeking," he says. "With 15% of the directors of pharmacy surveyed indicating they are considering a purchase of a robotic device even in these tough economic times, we believe we can capture an even greater share of this growing market."

The meticulous research, development and commissioning program of the RIVA System has been key to increased awareness and support from directors of pharmacy across North America, according to Jane Arnot, IH Systems VP of Sales and Marketing. "Meeting the strict parameters for sterility, accuracy and reduction of compounding risk as defined by USP797; and other regulatory guidelines, requires a relentless commitment to excellence," she shares. "We believe our program of working closely with our health care partners from initial contact to ongoing operation has allowed us to develop a strong reputation for doing what we say," says Arnot. "We are not looking for noise or spin, but to simply help health care facilities achieve their goals for patient safety through the strategic investment in robotic innovation."

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bagsis the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com.

For further information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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Intelligent Hospital Systems Receives International Award for Innovative Technology Benefiting Society

June 17, 2009- Winnipeg, MB- Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems) was awarded the 21st Century Achievement Award during the Computerworld Honors Program Awards Gala on June 1, 2009 in Washington D.C. IH Systems received the award in recognition of its RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation), the world's first solution combining software, robotics and engineering to automate IV preparation in hospital pharmacies. Technology partner, Sybase, nominated IH Systems for the award. For over two decades, CEO's and chairmen of the world's foremost information technology companies have recognized the most outstanding user achievements in technology each year through the Computerworld Honors Program.

According to Thom Doherty, Chief Technical Officer with IH Systems, RIVA offers significant advantages to users. "The RIVA System allows hospital pharmacies to automate the full end-to-end medication process for the first time," he says. Mr. Doherty continues, "The RIVA system is the first of its kind to integrate robotics, vision systems, motion controls and software in this combination. From the use of high resolution cameras and sensors, to real time access to detailed electronic records, pharmacists have the tools they need to meet their goals for patient care," he states.

Mr. Doherty notes the role technology provider Sybase, Inc., an industry leader in delivering enterprise and mobile software to manage, analyze and mobilize information, has played in advancing the RIVA System into hospital pharmacies around the globe. "Partnering with Sybase provides the reliability and high availability that RIVA requires to completely automate IV preparation," he says.

"Sybase congratulates IH Systems for its use of innovative technology to directly benefit people's lives," says Dr. Raj Nathan, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Sybase. "We applaud RIVA's unique capability to reduce errors, ensure sterility and efficient throughput, while supporting hospitals' ability to reallocate pharmacy resources. We are pleased that Sybase products are utilized to help IH Systems achieve their vision by enabling them to manage, analyze and deliver data in a more efficient and smarter way."

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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Leading US Pediatric Hospital Draws First Dose with RIVA System

May 20, 2009, Winnipeg, MB- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has drawn the first patient dose on its newly commissioned RIVA System (Robotic Intravenous Automation)- a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems). A leader in pediatric care and research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was rated first in the United States in Parents magazine 2009 Best Children's Hospital survey.

"The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is clearly a leader in pediatric pharmacy and we are proud of our role in helping them meet their goals for patient care," says Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. He continues, "A health care facility that must provide a wide range of products in very small doses to the most critically ill of patients around the clock needs to have confidence in the system they choose to dispense required medications."

Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the RIVA System notes a health care facility only draws patient doses after the satisfactory completion of a detailed commissioning phase. "Our well-designed and meticulously executed site plan demonstrates that the RIVA System meets the parameters for sterility, accuracy and reduction of compounding risk as defined by USP797; and other regulatory guidelines, and we are thrilled to see the unit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in action," Arnot says.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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Dr. Niels Erik Hansen Appointed CEO

May 8, 2009- Winnipeg, Manitoba - Kevin McGarry, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems), announces the appointment of Dr. Niels Erik Hansen as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 11, 2009. Prior to the appointment of Dr Hansen, Mr. McGarry held the dual positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and stewarded its evolution from a research and development culture into a highly focused global leader in the supply of robotic innovation for hospital pharmacies.

"Dr. Hansen's skills, abilities and experience in building and growing industry-leading, global
organizations make him an outstanding addition to the IH Systems team," says Mr. McGarry. He continues, "Dr. Hansen has spent almost a decade providing overall strategic direction to
advanced manufacturing organizations and will enhance IH Systems capacity to deliver top
notch customer service, continuous product improvement and production efficiencies." McGarry
will be continuing his position as Chairman of the Board and manager of Western Life Sciences, the largest equity holder in IH Systems. In addition, he will assist with financing, provide strategic advice for the development of the IH Systems business plan and oversight for the management of intellectual property.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.intelligenthospitals.com.

For more information, please contact Kevin McGarry, Chairman of the Board at (204) 943-0066.

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IH Systems Extends Global Reach into South Korean Medical Device Market

May 5, 2009, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada- Medical device company, Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems), has entered into an agreement with the South Korean pharmacy application specialists, Daeiltech (www.daeiltech.co.kr), based in Seoul. Daeiltech will provide direct sales and service support for IH Systems' RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation) across South Korea.

Experience, technological capacity and a company-wide commitment to providing leading edge sales and technical support remain the key factors for choosing a global partner, according to IH Systems Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McGarry. "For the past 2 decades, Daeiltech has demonstrated leadership in the South Korean life sciences marketplace and we believe the RIVA System will be an outstanding addition to their portfolio of pharmaceutical products and services," McGarry says. He notes Daeiltech's long standing relationships with large hospitals across South Korea will provide an excellent platform for the introduction of robotic automation into the hospital environment.

"Intense interest in the capacity and capability of the RIVA system to effectively and efficiently manage chemotherapy products, among other products, continues to drive international interest," says Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with IH Systems. "The flexibility of the RIVA System, coupled with the ability to compound individual patient doses makes our system a great fit with progressive pharmacy departments," shares Ms. Arnot. She adds that experienced technical and sales teams will be supporting Daeiltech's introduction of the RIVA System into the South Korean marketplace.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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IH Systems Enters the Middle Eastern Medical Device Market

March 25, 2009, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada- Medical device company, Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems), has entered into an agreement with the Arabian Medical Marketing Co. Ltd. (AMCO), based in Saudi Arabia (www.amcomideast.com). Under the terms of the agreement, AMCO will provide direct sales and service support for IH Systems' RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation) across the Middle East.

"Investments in advanced technology for health care are a global opportunity where the key is to have a product that delivers a superior patient experience," according to IH Systems Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McGarry. "Through a focus on innovation and a commitment to high standards, AMCO's diverse range of medical products and services has set the standard for patient care expertise and appropriate use of medical technology in the Middle East," McGarry says. "We believe RIVA will be an outstanding addition to AMCO's suite of specialty medical products and automation technology for health care facilities including hospitals."

"Convenience, flexibility and reliability are among the many reasons the RIVA System continues to receive international interest," says Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with IH Systems. "One of the many attributes of the RIVA System that makes it so attractive is its flexibility to support diverse patient needs," shares Ms. Arnot. "The ability to compound individual patient doses into a range of container forms including syringes and bags makes the RIVA System an important addition to progressive health care facilities." Ms Arnot indicates IH Systems is actively exploring similar relationships in other geographic regions outside of North America.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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IH Systems Announces European Distributorship

March 25, 2009, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada- Medical device company, Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems), has entered into an agreement with the Spanish firm, Palex Medical SA (www.palexmedical.es) for the provision of sales and service support for IH Systems' RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation). Palex has more than 50 years of experience in providing products and services that offer advanced, efficient solutions to hospitals.

Taking advantage of global opportunities requires a solid, on-the-ground knowledge of the business customs, regulations and needs of a particular region, according to IH Systems Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McGarry. "We are excited to be working with the experienced team at Palex and look forward to advancing sales and service of the RIVA System in the European market," says McGarry. "Palex's experience and knowledge relating to robotic innovation will ensure our clients receive the highest standards of service and support."

Health care facilities investing in advanced technology like the RIVA System want to know there is a team available to help them meet their goals for positive patient outcomes, says Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with IH Systems. "Palex's diverse product portfolio and company-wide commitment to the highest level of customer service compliments our business model," shares Ms. Arnot. She adds IH Systems will be attending the 14th Congress of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists from March 25-27 in Barcelona and is actively exploring relationships in other geographic regions in Europe.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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Austrailia's Leading Oncology Drug Compounder Chooses RIVA System

February 11, 2009, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada- Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi Pty Ltd, one of Australia's fastest growing and most innovative pharmaceutical companies, has chosen the RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation)-a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems) to consolidate its IV preparation. Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi will take delivery of its first RIVA unit in June 2009.

The RIVA System and Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi's continued investment in specialized sterile facilities are a perfect match for meeting the needs of leading-edge oncology care providers, according to Kevin McGarry, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. "With two Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registered aseptic compounding facilities preparing tailor-made chemotherapy doses each day, Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi knows this field and knows that the RIVA System is able to meet its very high standards," says Mr. McGarry. He continues, "We are thrilled to be working with this specialist company in oncology care."

As the demands for improving patient care and safety increase, health care facilities are increasingly seeking technologically advanced, cost efficient solutions, says Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with IH Systems. "One of the many attributes of the RIVA System that makes it so attractive is its flexibility to support the diverse needs of Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi's clients," shares Ms. Arnot. "The RIVA System is well suited to compounding individual patient doses of oncology drugs into a range of diverse container forms including syringes and bags, which is key to supporting convenient and flexible therapy."

Limitations in conventional clean room technology have provided challenges for manufacturers of compounded oncology products, says Iain Rosekilly, Operations Director of Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi. "Since we identified the RIVA system, Intelligent Hospital Systems has worked tirelessly with us to develop the technology to fit our business model. Their flexible and customer centred approach will ensure the successful roll out and implementation of the project". Mr. Rosekilly continues, "IV Robotics have the ability to address our market growth requirements, as well as many of the important safety aspects involved in the aseptic compounding of IV drugs, this would include increased patient safety by the elimination of dose errors, furthermore providing increased technician operator safety, RSI and other OH&S factors".

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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Primary Children's Medical Center Draws First Pediatric Patient Dose with RIVA

January 28, 2009, Winnipeg, Manitoba- Primary Children's Medical Center of Salt Lake City, Utah, has drawn its first patient dose with its RIVA System (Robotic IV Automation) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- from Intelligent Hospital Systems (IH Systems). Owned and operated by Intermountain Healthcare, Primary Children's Medical Center treats children with complex illness and injury from across the western states of the United States of America.

Primary Children's is the second pediatric health care facility to go live with RIVA in a month, according to Jane Arnot, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for RIVA. "The hospitals and clinics of Intermountain Healthcare were recently recognized for their pioneering work in using computer systems to reduce medication errors, and we are very pleased to be working with such a well-respected center," she says. "Our well-designed and meticulously executed site plan demonstrates that RIVA has met the parameters for sterility, accuracy and reduction of compounding risk as defined by USP797; and other regulatory guidelines, and we are thrilled to see the unit in action," Arnot says.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) -a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags- is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com. To view our latest video of RIVA in operation, click here.

For more information, please contact Jane Arnot, VP Sales and Marketing at (204) 925-5343.

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